5 Islands Speedboat Cruise incl. Snorkeling in Blue Bay + Lunch at Ile aux Cerfs

The best thing about this seven-hour speedboat cruise is the variety. In one day, you move from the bright beach setting of Ile aux Cerfs to a historic lighthouse, a protected nature reserve, calm coral gardens, and a waterfall at Grand River South East. The boat keeps the pace lively, but there is still time to swim, snorkel, eat, and enjoy the views.

I like the fact that lunch and snorkeling equipment are included, so the $110.79 price covers more than a simple boat ride. I also like the small maximum group of 18, plus the friendly, upbeat style associated with skipper Andy. The main drawback is that some stops and the snorkeling session may feel short, while one longer stop can feel slow if you prefer constant sightseeing.

Key points to know before booking

• Five major stops in about seven hours: The day combines islands, a lighthouse, a marine park, a nature reserve, and a waterfall.
• Blue Bay snorkeling is weather dependent: The swim may take place at Blue Bay Marine Park or near Ilot Mangenie.
• Lunch, drinks, and gear are included: You do not need to arrange snorkeling equipment separately.
• A small group keeps the boat personal: The maximum is 18 people, rather than a large catamaran crowd.
• The boat reaches places quickly: You cover much of the southeast coast without spending the day on roads.
• Allow for a relaxed pace at some stops: Some passengers found the island visits and snorkeling time too brief, while another longer stop felt excessive.

Why this speedboat day works so well

I like this tour because it gives you a broad taste of Mauritius in one outing. You are not choosing between a beach day, a history trip, and a marine excursion. The route tries to give you all three, with snacks, bottled water, lunch, alcoholic drinks, and snorkeling gear folded into the fare.

At $110.79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. Still, the value improves when you count the included meal, open bar, equipment, boat transport between several coastal sights, and a capped group size. You avoid paying separately for a mask and snorkel, and you do not have to organize several different stops yourself.

The tradeoff is precision. A tour that covers this much ground cannot give every island a long visit. If your main goal is serious snorkeling, a dedicated marine trip may give you more water time. If you want a full day with several types of scenery, this combined outing makes better sense.

The boat leaves at 8:30 am from Blue Alizé Catamaran at Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce. Parking is available at the meeting point, which is useful if you are making your own way there. Private transportation is not included, so you need to reach the departure point yourself.

Ile aux Cerfs starts the morning

The first listed stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have about 45 minutes for a visit and refreshments. This is one of the better-known island stops on Mauritius, and it gives you an easy start to the day: sandy scenery, open water, and time to settle into the boat rhythm.

Forty-five minutes is enough to look around and take photographs, but not enough for a long beach stay. I would treat this as a quick introduction rather than the main event. If you want a slow morning under a palm tree, this schedule may feel hurried.

The speedboat is a good fit here because it lets you leave the busy road network behind quickly. You can see the coast from the water, and the short visit keeps the day moving toward the quieter islands and the marine park.

The Grand River South East waterfall

The route includes Grand River South East and its waterfall, where fresh water runs toward the Indian Ocean. The stop is tied to the wider island route and is one of the natural sights that breaks up the island visits.

The supplied timing places the waterfall stop at about 15 minutes. That is enough for a look and a few photographs from the boat, but do not expect a long walk, a hike, or a detailed waterfall visit. I would set your expectations accordingly.

The river also gives you a different view of Mauritius. After stretches of open sea and low islands, the waterway brings you closer to the coast and its changing contours. It is a small stop, but it adds variety to a busy day.

Ile aux Fouquets and its working lighthouse past

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile Phare or Lighthouse Island, carries one of the clearest historical stories on the route. Dutch settlers discovered the island in 1598, and a lighthouse built in 1864 remained in operation until the early 20th century.

The island sits near Mahébourg in the Bay of Grand Port. It also played a strategic role during the naval battles at Grand Port, including the 1810 conflict between French and British forces. The route includes nearby Ile de la Passe as part of this historical setting, a rocky islet linked to the Battle of Grand Port from August 20 to 25, 1810.

You may not get a long land visit here, but the view from the boat still gives the history a physical setting. I find that more useful than hearing dates in a room. You can see why the islands mattered to ships moving through the bay.

The tour description gives about 45 minutes for Ile aux Fouquets. The exact balance between viewing, narration, and time on or near the island can depend on conditions and the day’s schedule. Listen closely to the guide, since this is where local history and the scenery work together best.

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main water stop

Blue Bay Marine Park is the centerpiece for most people who book this outing. You have about two hours assigned to the snorkeling portion, at Blue Bay or near Ilot Mangenie if weather or the coral breeding season affects the plan.

Blue Bay was declared a national park in 1997 and became a Ramsar wetland site in 2008. Its shallow, calm water and coral garden make it a practical place for a snorkeling session, especially for people who want to see marine life without committing to a specialist excursion.

Snorkeling equipment is included. That matters because it cuts out one more rental decision and makes it easier to get into the water when the conditions are right. The water is described as home to many coral varieties and abundant marine life, though what you see on the day will depend on weather, visibility, and seasonal protection measures.

I would not assume that the full two hours means two uninterrupted hours in the water. The boat may need time to reach the site, hand out equipment, explain the plan, and bring people aboard again. Some passengers found the snorkeling session too short, so bring a relaxed attitude rather than expecting a long guided marine survey.

The location can change. Blue Bay Marine Park is the planned site, but the boat may use Ilot Mangenie in different weather or during coral breeding season. That flexibility protects the outing from forcing a poor or unsuitable swim site.

The boat may also provide a chance to see dolphins in the wider area, but this should not be treated as a guaranteed part of the tour. One account found the pursuit of dolphins uncomfortable, so I would pay attention to how the crew handles wildlife and keep your own expectations modest.

Ile aux Aigrettes brings a nature reserve into the route

Ile aux Aigrettes is an islet off the southeast coast that functions as a nature reserve and scientific research station. It is also visited by both local residents and people from abroad, giving the stop more substance than a simple photo break.

The schedule allows about 20 minutes for refreshments after Blue Bay. That is a short visit, and there is no indication that this boat trip includes a full reserve tour or a research-station visit. Think of it as a passing view and a refreshment stop, not a substitute for a dedicated Ile aux Aigrettes excursion.

The all-inclusive open bar is listed as open at this point in the day. Alcoholic drinks are included, along with snacks and bottled water. I would pace yourself, especially in the sun and after snorkeling. The day is active enough that water and food matter more than drinking heavily.

Lunch and the long middle of the day

Lunch is included, which is one of the strongest practical reasons to consider this trip. You do not need to leave the route to find food, and you can keep your attention on the islands and the sea.

The supplied details connect lunch with Ile aux Cerfs, while the stop descriptions also refer to refreshments at different points. Exact meal timing and location can therefore depend on the operating plan that day. If lunch is an important part of your decision, confirm the current schedule when booking.

The meal can also shape your view of the day. A boat trip with several short stops can feel rushed if you are hungry, while a planned lunch gives you a needed pause. At least one account found the lunch particularly memorable, and the food is a meaningful part of the value rather than a minor extra.

One caution: a longer island stop may not suit everyone. A passenger found that about two and a half hours on a quiet island felt too long and felt that fewer islands would have been enough. If you like to sit, eat, swim, and chat, that pause may be welcome. If you want nonstop movement, it may test your patience.

The skipper can make or break the day

A speedboat tour depends heavily on the person running it. The strongest praise here goes to the skippers’ energy and friendliness, with Andy named specifically as a lively and sympathetic captain. The crew also receives credit for checking that people were happy during the day.

That style matters on a small boat. A warm skipper can turn short stops into useful local stories and help the group feel comfortable. The boat setting is social, too, so you can expect to meet other people rather than have a private, silent ride.

The tone may not suit everyone. Music has been described as too loud by one passenger, and an energetic captain is not the same thing as a quiet guide. If you prefer calm nature watching, ask about the music and guiding style before you commit.

Language can also require attention. One booking was made with a French guide in mind, but the passenger was placed with the English-speaking group. If language is important, state your preference before the day and confirm it rather than assuming it will happen automatically.

Who should book this Mauritius boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you have limited time on Mauritius and want several coastal highlights in one day. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who like a social outing with swimming, short sightseeing stops, food, drinks, and a bit of history.

It is also a good match if you do not want to arrange snorkeling gear or search for lunch along the way. The 18-person limit gives the trip a more personal feel than a large boat excursion, while the speedboat covers the east and southeast coast efficiently.

Families and casual swimmers may like the calm, shallow water described at Blue Bay, but the supplied information does not provide detailed accessibility or child-specific guidance. Most people can participate, though you should judge your own comfort with a speedboat and water activities.

I would choose another format if your priority is one long beach stay, a serious snorkeling session, or a quiet private cruise. The tour covers a lot, and that means some stops are necessarily brief. You are buying variety, not maximum time at one site.

Practical details that affect your choice

The activity lasts about seven hours and ends back at the meeting point. It starts at 8:30 am, so you get a full morning and afternoon on the water rather than a late half-day outing.

The maximum group size is 18 people. That is small enough for a more direct exchange with the skipper, but it is still a shared excursion. If you want complete control over timing, a private boat would be a better fit, though private transportation is not included here.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, while changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this speedboat day if you want a big sample of Mauritius in one outing. The strongest reasons are the included lunch and drinks, snorkeling gear, small group, lively crew, and unusual mix of coral water, islands, lighthouse history, and waterfalls.

Skip it if you need long, unhurried time at every stop. The route is ambitious, and some people will find the snorkeling or island visits too short, while a longer pause may feel empty. For most visitors who value variety and convenience over perfect pacing, the $110.79 fare is a fair deal.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:30 am.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Blue Alizé Catamaran at Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

Which places are included in the route?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile aux Aigrettes, Blue Bay Marine Park, and Grand River South East Waterfalls. The route also refers to Ilot Mangenie and Ile de la Passe.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Where does snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling is planned for Blue Bay Marine Park or near Ilot Mangenie, depending on weather conditions and the coral breeding season.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The tour has a maximum of 18 participants.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.